Reduce Blood Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Effect of systemic administration of phytosterol on lacrimal quality of dogs

The tear lipid layer (oily outer layer) reduces evaporation and prevents tear overflow. In dogs, reductions in the lipid components of this layer (cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids) can cause eye serious diseases. In this way, the tear crystallization test analyzes the lacrimal quality, however, it is less used in veterinary. As phytosterol reduces blood cholesterol, the objective of this study was to investigate, through the tear crystallization test, whether the systemic administration of this drug influences the lacrimal quality of healthy dogs and, in addition, to verify differences in the interpretation of the ophthalmic test between different evaluators. Eight beagles, healthy, of both sexes, young and adults, without clinical ophthalmic signs apparent were selected. Basal lacrimal samples (D0) were collected from the right and left eye of all animals with glass capillary tube and arranged on a glass slide for scanning the images and subsequent microscopic analysis. Subsequently, all were medicated with the phytosterol (Collestra® 650 mg: 1 capsule, orally, every 12 hours, for 15 days). After seven (D7) and fifteen (D15) days of this systemic administration, the tear crystallization test in both eyes of all dogs was again performed for statistical comparison with the baseline results. The photographs of the slides were classified by four evaluators (AV1 and AV2 with professional experience in ophthalmology and AV3 and AV4 without previous professional experience in ophthalmology), following standards established by Rolando (1984). The results were statistically verified by analysis of simple variance (ANOVA One-Way). There was no statistical difference in the tear crystallization test between the established periods and in relation to the different ophthalmic test evaluators (p≤0.05). Although phytosterols reduce blood cholesterol levels, it was observed in the present study that these drugs when administered systemically did not interfere in the tear lipid layer and, consequently, in the lacrimal quality of healthy dogs, and may be prescribed as lipid-lowering agents for patients with ocular diseases, especially the lacrimal ones.

Construction of R16F and D19L mutations in the loop I of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme from Lactobacillus plantarum B14 and structural and functional analysis of the mutant BSHs

ABSTRACTBile salt hydrolase (BSH), found commonly in intestinal species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycine or taurine-conjugated bile acids into the amino acids and free bile acids. Deconjugated bile acids potentially play an important role in the reduction of blood cholesterol level and formation of some gastrointestinal diseases such as cholestasis, gallstone formation, and colon cancer. Although the crystal and three-dimensional structures of BSH enzyme are known, the working mechanism of catalytic activity of such an important BSH enzyme is not known very well. Previous in silico analysis of multiple BSH has identified that Arginine-16 (R16) and Aspartate-19 (D19) were catalytically important residues in the active site of BSH. To confirm the function of these amino acids, in this study, BSH enzyme from Lactobacillus plantarum B14 strain was cloned into Escherichia coli and strictly conserved polar R16 and D19 amino acids of BSH enzyme were substituted for hydrophobic Phenylalanine-16 (F16) and Leucine-19 (L19) amino acids, respectively, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based site-directed mutagenesis. The effects of the mutations on catalytic activity and structure of the BSH enzymes were detected by ninhidrin assay and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis, respectively. Research results showed that although F16 mutation led to loss of enzyme activity completely, L19 mutation led to abolishment of the synthesis of BSH enzyme. These results indicated that R16 and D19 amino acids located in loop I of the BSH enzyme might be critical for catalytic activity and assembly of the BSH enzyme respectively.

Preparation, Characterization, and Encapsulation Efficiency Test of Simvastatin Microencapsulation Using Polyblend of Poly(Lactic Acid)and Poly(ɛ-Caprolactone)

Simvastatin is one of the most extensively used drugs to reduce blood cholesterol levels, which practically insoluble in water and not well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, simvastatin was encapsulated using polyblend of PLA and PCL in the composition of 60:40 by solvent evaporation technique (oil-in-water). The optimization of agitation rate, solvent removal time, emulsion time, and emulsifier concentration have been conducted to obtain the maximum efficiency to encapsulate simvastatin in the matrix polymer. The result showed that the optimum conditions to increase the encapsulation efficiency of simvastatin in the microcapsule using polyblend of PLA and PCL were obtained in the agitation rate, solvent removal time, emulsion time, and Tween 80 concentration as an emulsifier at 700 rpm, 1 hour, 1 hour, and 0.5% (v/v), respectively.

Crystallization, Polymorphism and Stability of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Developed with Soybean Oil, Fully Hydrogenated Soybean Oil and Free Phytosterols for Food Applications

The aim of this work was the development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) using conventional fats and oils (soybean oil, SO and fully hydrogenated soybean oil, FHSO) for incorporation of free phytosterols (FP). FP are lipophilic bioactive compounds which can reduce blood cholesterol levels, through a competitive mechanism of absorption, aiding in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, FP presents difficulties related to technological applications in foods due to the high melting point. In this way, NLC can be a means of making feasible incorporation of FP in foods. NLC were obtained in aqueous dispersion through the emulsification process, followed by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) using 3 and 5 cycles at 800 bar, with subsequent crystallization and stabilization of the lipid matrices (LM). The emulsifiers used were soybean lecithin (SL), ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate (T80) and sorbitan monostearate (S60). The thermal and crystalline behavior of the LM, FP and NLC were evaluated. NLCs were characterized by size and polydispersity. FP presented high crystallization (126°C) and melting (137°C) temperatures, but this did not avoid its incorporation into NLC. The NLC presented size between 154 to 534 nm and polydispersity ranging from 0.1 to 0.5, the lower limits being obtained with the T80. NLC were found to require lower temperatures to crystallize and polymorphic transitions were accelerated. This study indicated that the conventional raw materials were compatible with the development of NLC with FP.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN TEH DAUN TIN (Ficus Carica) DOSIS DUA KALI SEHARI TERHADAP KADAR TOTAL KOLESTEROL PADA MAHASISWA OBESITAS DI POLTEKKES RS dr. SOEPRAOEN MALANG

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition when cholesterol levels exceed normal range. Hypercolesterolemia associated with an increased risk of cardio vascular diseases such as Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) and Cerebro Vascullar Accident. It is estimated that more than 6 million people suffer from hypercholesterolemia worldwide. College students are a population at risk of suffering from hypercholesterolemia due to an irregular lifestyle accompanied by a lack of physical activity. Tin leaf (Ficus Carica) tea can be used to control cholesterol levels. This research used Quasi experiment design with Repeated measurement (pretest and posttest) design approach. Research Sample were 23 students with obesity who were divided into 2 groups Repeated ANOVA analysis show there are significant differences between groups (p = 0.017). Bonferoni Post Hoc analysis shows that there are significant differences between Pretest and post test data in the first week (p = o.011). Flavonoids and pectin in the tin leaf (Ficus carica) play an important role in cholesterol regulation. Flavonoids can increase the expression of HDL-C (good cholesterol), whereas pectin increases the secretion of sterols in Cecal metabolism. Consumption of twice daily tin leave tea was proven in reduce blood cholesterol levels in respondents. It can be conclude there were significant differences of total cholesterol levels before treatment, 1 week after and 2 weeks after administration of Tin (ficus carica) tea leaf with a dose twice a day in Obese College students at the Poltekkes Rumah sakit dr. Soepraoen Malang. Key Words: Cholesterol, College Student, Obesity,Tin (ficus carica)

RNA Sequencing-Based Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of Friesian Cattle Fed with Grape Pomace-Supplemented Diet.

Simple SummaryGrape pomace (GPO) is an important source of polyphenols which are known to have antioxidant properties. In the past decade, GPO has received some attention as a bioactive dietary component in farm animals’ diet. In this study, we have analyzed the whole-transcriptome of Friesian calves fed with a GPO-supplemented diet using RNA-sequencing. We noted that the most affected pathway was the cholesterol lipid biosynthesis and this effect was consistent with a reduction in both serum cholesterol and lipid oxidation in the carcasses. This study provides evidence on the antioxidant property of GPO-supplemented diet, from a molecular biology standpoint.Grape pomace (GPO), the main by-product of the wine making process, is a rich source of polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. Recently, GPO has emerged as a potential feed additive in livestock nutrition, with several reports describing its beneficial effects on animals’ overall health status or production traits. However, little is known about it from a molecular biology standpoint. In the present study, we report the first RNA sequencing-based whole-transcriptome profiling of Friesian calves fed with a GPO-supplemented diet. We identified 367 differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05) in the GPO-supplemented calves (n = 5), when compared with unsupplemented control group (n = 5). The pathway analysis showed that ‘cholesterol lipid biosynthesis’ was the most negatively-enriched (p < 0.001) pathway in the GPO-supplemented animals. In specific terms, five important genes coding for cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes, namely the Farnesyl-diphosphate Farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT-1), Squalene Epoxidase (SQLE), NAD(P)-dependent Steroid Dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL), Methylsterol Monooxygenase (MSMO)-1, and Sterol-C5-desaturase (SC5D), two major transcription factors (the Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Transcription Factor 1 and 2), as well as the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR), were all downregulated following GPO supplementation. Such an effect was mirrored by a reduction of blood cholesterol levels (p = 0.07) and a lowered (p < 0.001) Malondialdehyde (lipid oxidation marker) level in carcasses. We provide evidence on the effects of GPO-supplemented diets on the whole-transcriptome signature in veal calves, which mainly reflects an antioxidant activity.

The influence of subclinical hypothyroidism on serum lipid profile, PCSK9 levels and CD36 expression on monocytes

BackgroundProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease and a secreted protein which increases cholesterol levels in plasma via inducing degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) is a member of a family of cell surface proteins in many cells. CD36 is known as fatty acid translocase (FAT) because it imports fatty acids inside cells and participate in triglyceride storage. It has been suggested that PCSK9 regulates CD36 in some tissues. MethodsData and serum levels of TSH, FT4, lipid profile and PCSK9 and the expression of CD36 on monocytes from 40 new untreated patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and 40 age- sex- and BMI-matched euthyroid controls were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Then the relationships between these parameters were examined. ResultsPatients with SH had higher TSH, FT4, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and PCSK9 levels than controls. There were significant and positive correlations between serum TSH levels and lipid parameters except HDL-C. PCSK9 had a significant and negative correlation with FT4. No significant correlation could be found in relation to PCSK9 and CD36. ConclusionsPCSK9 inhibitors are used to reduce blood cholesterol levels as drugs. If it will be proven that PCSK9 can induce CD36 degradation, taking these drugs may have unwanted side effects. This study showed that serum PCSK9 and lipid profile levels increase in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and there is no relationship between PCSK9 and CD36 in these patients.

Placental mechanism of prenatal nicotine exposure-reduced blood cholesterol levels in female fetal rats

Clinical studies showed that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) neonatus had lower cholesterol concentrations in cord blood, which might be associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. We previously observed lower blood cholesterol levels in prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE)-induced IUGR fetal rats, and this study aimed to elucidate the placental mechanism. Pregnant Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected with nicotine (2.0 mg/kg⋅d) on gestational day 9–20. In vivo, PNE increased levels of total cholesterol (TCH), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in maternal serum, while decreased levels of TCH and LDL-C in female fetal serum. Meanwhile, the expression of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) were decreased, and the expression of liver X receptor (LXR) α and β were also decreased in female placentas. In vitro, nicotine (0.1–10 μM) reduced the expression of LXRα, LXRβ, SR-B1, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in a concentration dependent manner, which could be annulled by nAChR antagonist and LXR agonist. Taken together, nicotine could inhibit the expression of SR-B1, ABCA1 and ABCG1 via nAChR and LXR α/β in female placentas, finally leading to reduced blood cholesterol levels in fetal rats.

Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 Reduces Cholesterol via Phosphorylation of AMPK That Down-regulated the mRNA Expression of HMG-CoA Reductase.

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the primary risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The use of lactobacilli probiotics to reduce blood cholesterol levels have been extensively reported. However, more information is needed to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved and to identify possible targets for further therapeutic development. In this study, strains of lactobacilli were screened based on the ability to assimilate cholesterol, and prevention of cholesterol accumulation in hepatic (HepG2) and intestinal (HT-29) cells. Cell free supernatant (CFS) from Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 showed a higher ability to assimilate cholesterol, reduction in cholesterol accumulation in both HepG2 and HT-29 cells, accompanied by reduced mRNA expression of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) in HepG2 (p<0.05), compared to other lactobacilli. The reduction of HMGCR expression was also diminished in the presence of an AMPK inhibitor (Compound C), suggesting that L. plantarum DR7 exerted its effect via the AMPK pathway, typically via the phosphorylation of AMPK instead of the AMPK mRNA expression in HepG2 (p<0.05). Altogether, our present study illustrated that lactobacilli could exert cholesterol lowering properties along the AMPK pathway, specifically via phosphorylation of AMPK that led to reduced expression of HMGCR.

Terapi Hiperkolesterol pada Mencit (Mus musculus) strain Balb/C Betina Umur 2 Bulan Menggunakan Sari Bawang Putih

Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is mainly made in the body. Cholesterol can provide benefits. However, having too much cholesterol in the blood can increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease can be done by taking synthetic drugs such as statin. Due to side effects of synthetic drugs, it is necessary to substitute synthetic drugs with herbal plant and some natural component in these plants. The important ones is garlic. Garlic contain organosulphur compounds such as diallyldisulphide (DADS), dipropyldisulphide (DPDS), diallytrisulphide (DATS) and dipropyltrisulphide (DPTS) which have anti artherogenic effects. Garlic also have active agent allicin, can reduce the levels of cholesterol. This research was conducted at the Experimental Animal Enclosure Installation, Center for Veterinary Farma Surabaya with 3 experimental groups. Animals used in this research were female mice 2 months old were feeding with high cholesterol feed such as fried offal of chicken twice a day as much 0,5 cc/ day every 3 days. On the 3rd day, the levels of cholesterol in each group was examined. On the 4th day, mice in group 3 were given 1cc of garlic juice. 1 hour later mice was examined blood cholesterol using Strip Test Easy Touch GCU. The results through T-paired test on SPSS stated that (p &lt; 0,05), it means there is influence between the 3 treatment of mice. This results it can be concluded that the provision of garlic juice can reduced blood cholesterol levels in mice after fed with high cholesterol.

Treatment of Dyslipidemia Using CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) has recently emerged as a top genome editing technology and has afforded investigators the ability to more easily study a number of diseases. This review discusses CRISPR/Cas9's advantages and limitations and highlights a few recent reports on genome editing applications for alleviating dyslipidemia through disruption of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Targeting of mouse Pcsk9 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology has yielded promising results for lowering total cholesterol levels, and several recent findings are highlighted in this review. Reported on-target mutagenesis efficiency is as high as 90% with a subsequent 40% reduction of blood cholesterol levels in mice, highlighting the potential for use as a therapeutic in human patients. The ability to characterize and treat diseases is becoming easier with the recent advances in genome editing technologies. In this review, we discuss how genome editing strategies can be of use for potential therapeutic applications.

Linoleic Acid: A Nutritional Quandary.

Over the course of the twentieth century, there was a 20-fold increase in consumption of vegetable oils resulting both from their increased availability and from recommendations to consume these oils as an aid to lower blood cholesterol levels. This dietary change markedly increased the consumption of linoleic acid to current levels of approximately 6% of total dietary energy. While considerable research has focused on the effects of dietary linoleic acid on cardiovascular health, questions about optimum dietary levels remain. For example, meta-analyses disagree about the role of dietary linoleic acid in atherosclerosis, and recent publications indicate that linoleic acid’s reduction of blood cholesterol levels does not predict its effect on the development of atherosclerosis. Further, there are also detrimental effects of elevated dietary linoleic acid on human health related to its role in inflammation and its activity as a promoter of cancer in animals. Current data do not allow determination of the level of dietary linoleic acid needed for optimum health. Studies of the effects of a wide range of linoleic acid consumption may help determine dietary recommendations that are optimal for human health.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Mung Bean Kefir with Variation Levels of Skim Milk and Fermentation Time

Kefir is fermentation milk drink as yoghurt which is classified to functional drink. Kefir has a benefit for health that could reduce blood cholesterol levels. Kefir is usually made of fresh milk as cow and goat milk. Kefir is also made of vegetable milk as mung bean milk. Mung bean consists of complete nutrition that are protein, fat, vitamin as phosphoric acid, B1, riboflavin, B6, pantothenic acid, niacin, and mineral. Mung bean also contains bioactive component that is oleanolic acid which is functioning to inhibit cardiovascular diseases and increase immune system. The purpose of this study is to find the effect of skim milk concentration and fermentation time to chemical natures (pH, total acid number, alcohol level) of kefir cider mung bean and its formulation that is favored by the panel. The research method is Factorial RAL (Stands for Rancangan Acak Lengkap) method. The first factor is skim milk concentration treatment (0%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) which is added to cider mung been and second factor is fermentation time (21 hours, 24 hours and 27 hours). The result of study is analyzed by One-Way Analysis of Variances (ANOVA). The result showed that pH range of 3.8-4.4, total acid number range of 1-3%, alcohol level is 0.39%, viscosity range of 3.20-3.25 dPaS. Based on organoleptic test, kefir favoured by panel is kefir with skim milk concentration 7%, fermentation time 27 hours, pH 3.94, lactate acid 2.6%, alcohol level 0.39% and viscosity 3.25 dPaS.

Production of statins by fungal fermentation

Fungi are used industrially to obtain a variety of products, from low value bulk chemicals to high value drugs like, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, alkaloids and statins. Lovastatin and compactin are natural statins produced as secondary metabolites by predominantly Aspergillus and Penicillium species, following a polyketide pathway. Lovastatin was one of the first cholesterol-lowering drugs. Many statins are now chemically synthesised but lovastatin is still required to produce simvastatin. Apart from reducing blood cholesterol levels simvastatin causes pleotropic effects and has potential to treat various kinds of disorders including neurodegenerative disease and cancer.

Preliminary in vitro assessment of the potential toxicity and antioxidant activity of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hill) Ravenna (Paineira)

The bark tea of Ceiba speciosa, a tropical tree of the Malvaceae family, is used in the Northwestern Region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, to reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, there are no scientific data on the efficacy and safety of this plant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and toxic potential of bark extracts of C. speciosa. We performed a preliminary phytochemical analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and evaluated the oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, the radical scavenging effect, and genotoxicity of the lyophilized aqueous extract (LAECs) and the precipitate obtained from the raw ethanol extract (Cs1). The phytochemical profile demonstrated the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The LAECs and Cs1 prevented damage to lipids and proteins at concentrations of 50 and 10 µg/mL. They also showed a scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-pricril-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, no genotoxic effect was observed at concentrations of 10, 5 and 2 µg/mL in the Comet assay. The present study is the first evaluation regarding the characterization of C. speciosa and its safety, and the results demonstrate its antioxidant potential and suggest that its therapeutic use may be relatively safe.

ANREDERA CORDIFOLIA LEAVES FRACTION AS AN ANTI-HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate reduction of blood cholesterol level by fraction extracts of binahong (Anredera cordifolia) on male Wistar rats. Methods: The rats were given high fat food every day for 3 months and pure cholesterol on week 0, 3, 7 and 11. After that each binahong fraction (n-hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction and water fraction) with doses of 50 mg/kg bw, 100 mg/kg bw, 200 mg/kg bw were given orally for 3 weeks and observed for lipid profile on day 21. Results: The result showed that n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water fractions of binahong leaves decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL level, and did not influence the HDL level. Meanwhile statin decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL level, and increased HDL level. Conclusion: Ethyl acetate fraction of binahong leaves significantly reduced total cholesterol level, triglycerides, LDL level compared to negative control group (p&lt; 0.05) and had no influence in HDL level. Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Anredera cordifolia, cholesterol

Диагноз и лечение хронического цереброваскулярного заболевания, применение пентоксифиллина

Chronic cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) is one of the most common iagnoses in Russian neurology, by which is meant vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in modern foreign literature. There are data available in the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of CCVD (VCI). Theresults of the author’s studies show that CCVD often masks other diseases (anxiety and depressive disorders, primary headache, peripheral vestibulopathy, and Alzheimer's disease) that are unfortunately poorly diagnosed in our country, so patients do not receive effective treatment. To modify risk factors for stroke (smoking and alcohol cessation, sufficient exercise), to normalize blood pressure (the use of antihypertensivemedications), to reduce blood cholesterol levels (statins), to perform antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants), and to use cognitive enhancers are of key importance when treating patients with CCVD (VCI). There are data on the use of pentoxifylline in patients with CCVD, vascular dementia.

PCSK9: estructura y función. PCSK9 y receptor de lipoproteínas de baja densidad. Mutaciones y cambios derivados de estas

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and then targets it for lysosomal degradation in cells, thus preventing LDLr from recycling back to the hepatocyte surface, with a consequent decrease in LDLr density and clearance of LDL-cholesterol (LDLc). There have been reports of both gain-of-function mutations in the PCSK9 gene that cause a marked increase in LDLc conentrations and loss-of-function mutations, which lead to modest reductions in LDLc and low rates of coronary heart disease. The PCSK9 gene has become a promising therapeutic target to reduce blood cholesterol levels. This review discusses the most interesting recent data on PCSK9 regulation and its molecular function in cholesterol homeostasis.

Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Calcium Alginate in Rats.

We examined whether calcium alginate (Ca-Alg) reduces blood cholesterol levels in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. First, we examined taurocholate adsorption in vitro by various types of sodium alginate (Na-Alg). High molecular-weight, guluronic acid-rich Na-Alg showed the greatest adsorption of taurocholate, and therefore the corresponding Ca-Alg was chosen for the in vivo study. Rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet or a Ca-Alg-containing diet for 2 weeks. Body weight and diet intake were measured, and the general condition of the animals was monitored during this period. After 14 d, the plasma concentration of cholesterol, portal plasma concentration of bile acid, and bile acid in feces were measured. The plasma concentration of cholesterol was significantly reduced in rats fed a 2% Ca-Alg-containing diet. Furthermore, the portal concentration of bile acid was significantly lowered in the 2% Ca-Alg group. A tendency for a Ca-Alg concentration-dependent increase in fecal excretion of bile acid was also seen, although it was not statistically significant. While several changes in biochemical parameters and histopathological findings were observed, all the values remained within the physiological range. These results indicate that Ca-Alg is effective in reducing plasma cholesterol. A possible mechanism would be enhanced fecal excretion of bile acid due to reduced intestinal reabsorption, which in turn might stimulate bile acid synthesis from cholesterol in the liver, leading to a decrease in plasma cholesterol.

Super-cooled and amorphous lipid-based colloidal dispersions for the delivery of phytosterols.

Super-cooled and amorphous lipid-based colloids are highly desirable delivery systems because of their ability to encapsulate compounds in a soluble or in a non-crystalline state. In this study, we demonstrate the preparation and characterization of super-cooled and amorphous lipid-based nanoscale colloidal dispersions containing high concentrations of phytosterols (PSs). PSs are highly hydrophobic natural bioactive compounds that are known to significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels in humans, but are insoluble in water and are poorly soluble in common lipids such as triacylglycerols (TAGs). Using the ultrahigh pressure homogenization of pre-heated dispersions, followed by temperature quenching, colloidal dispersions with varying concentrations of PSs in the lipid phase are prepared. Long and medium chain TAGs in combination with a non-ionic surfactant are used. The particle size, morphology and stability are analysed by dynamic and static light scattering, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Rapid temperature quenching enables the formation of stable colloidal dispersions of 10 wt% PSs, more than five times the equilibrium solubility at room temperature. Super-cooled emulsions are formed using liquid TAG, whereas amorphous particles are formed in the case of solid TAG. In both cases, the complete suppression of the crystallization of both PSs and lipids is observed due to the nanoscale confinement. The colloidal dispersions are stable for at least four months. The insights of this work will help understand the colloid formation and particle morphology control in the development of delivery systems for hydrophobic bio-actives such as drugs, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, nutritional and agricultural nanoscale formulations.